Gerald Lee's mid-day crabbing and fishing trip just off Kahana Bay Thursday started out like dozens of others he had made.

But rough water caused what should have been a routine day at sea to go terribly awry.

"He goes out like once a week," said Pohaku Lee, Gerald Lee's 26-year-old son. He said his father loved the ocean, loved fishing and never once recalled a time when he feared it.

But on Thursday, Lee, a 59-year-old Kane'ohe man, and a friend were fishing about a quarter-mile offshore when a wave tossed them from their boat into the water.

Lee's companion had an inflatable flotation device that both attempted to use to swim to shore — but they were separated.

Lee's friend swam to shore and summoned help. But by the time fire rescue personnel reached Lee, it was too late.

"He was such a beautiful man," said Bernie Matsumura, Lee's fiance. She said Lee will be remembered for the "love he had for his children and how he took care of them."

Pohaku Lee, said his dad, a long-time Hawaiian Electric Company employee, "was generous and good hearted."

Lee, stocky and soft spoken, always kept a smile on his face, said his son.

"He was always singing and playing music with his friends," said Pohaku Lee. "It was one of his passions."

Gerald Lee is survived by his parents Charles Pohaku Lee and Leimamo Kanamu Lee; brother Charles "Miki" Lee and sister Muriel "Soonie" Stevens; his children Brenna Lee, Michele Markham, Renee Palafox and Pohaku Lee; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial services are Nov. 10 at Mililani Mortuary, Mauka Chapel. Viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m., with services at 11 a.m. The burial will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park at 2 p.m.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.